More than 40 taxis were stopped by police and checked for defects in High Wycombe in a bid to get unsafe vehicles off the road. 

The operation, on March 26, was a joint effort by Thames Valley Police, Wycombe and Aylesbury Vale district councils and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). 

Around 40 vehicles were stopped in total in High Wycombe throughout the day - 31 private hire vehicles and nine Hackney carriages. 

Four vehicles were given immediate prohibitions, meaning issues must be rectified immediately, for defects to indicators and detached anti-roll bars.

Four vehicles were issued with delayed prohibitions for a variety of issues including seatbelts not working and worn vehicle parts.

All of their licences were suspended. 

TVP also issued a seatbelt ticket to one driver who was sat on it and a mobile phone ticket to a member of the public.

Another 18 drivers were dealt with for licensing offences, including drivers not wearing ID badges, not displaying correct vehicle signage, having damage to the vehicles and failing to have a fire extinguisher.

They were given warnings and given seven days to sort out the problem or face further action.

Private hire vehicles in Wycombe and Aylesbury Vale have to display exterior signs, including a rear licensing plate which must be fixed to the outside rear of the vehicle and side door stickers stating that journeys must be pre-booked.

Aylesbury Vale also requires that a front licensing plate is displayed in the windscreen.

Private hire and Hackney carriage drivers are required to wear their driver ID badge and for it to be visible to the passengers.

They are not allowed to smoke in their vehicles at any time and must have visible ‘No Smoking’ signs.

PC Liz Johnson, Thames Valley Police Road Safety Officer, said: “This was a successful operation and removed unsafe vehicles from the road.

"I would urge all drivers to check their vehicles on a daily basis and any fare paying passengers to ensure the driver has their identity badge clearly visible and licence plate in date.

"If you have any concerns about either a vehicle or driver then please do report it to the relevant licensing authority.”